Chapter 17: Luna Rosa Arises

She walked in white. He watched in silver. The pack stood. The Moon smiled. Under the roses, the legacy was present named.

A month later, Luca and Rosa went to the dining room for breakfast. Today was going to be very busy, as the long-awaited day had finally arrived. Rosa Luna's ceremony was taking place in the backyard to welcome all the guests celebrating.

Someone had arranged the chairs to accommodate the pack members and a special guest, Elder Gabriel, and the ceremony began at 6:00 p.m.

As everyone went about their day as best they could, Rosa felt the most nervous, thinking about what would happen later in the evening. Luckily, the weather was warm but more relaxed in the evening.

It was lucky that Rosa and Emma had found Rosa's outfit a week before Emma's shopping trip. Emma had already seen her dress beforehand, so now they were looking for Rosa's.

They both entered a boutique owned by their pack, which they visit for special occasions such as Luna ceremonies and other unique events, three days ago, while browsing the dresses. None of them appealed. When Rosa glanced behind her and asked Emma, "What about that one?"

Emma looked in the direction she was pointing and saw the dress. Then, nodding in agreement, she said, "Yes, it's beautiful to try it on."

Rosa shook her head and headed towards the changing rooms as Emma followed her.

Rosa headed into the fitting rooms, tried on the dress, and stepped out while Emma waited outside. After a few minutes, Rosa emerged wearing the dress, and Emma's eyes widened with surprise. She then said, "Yes, that's the one," as Rosa looked at herself in the mirror, admiring the long, strapless white gown that reached the floor, adorned with gold lace embroidery on the bodice. It was just right.

Rosa nodded her head in agreement with her friend. Once Rosa returned to the change room, she took off the dress and changed into her usual clothes. They also found a white bolero-style jacket for Rosa in case it got colder. Rosa and Emma headed to the checkout to pay for the dress and the coat.

They spent the rest of the day looking for Rosa's shoes, makeup, and other personal items, then had lunch and headed home. They were tired after their three hours of shopping and, with Emma's help, put everything away in their room. She said, "Thank you" to Emma for her support that day, and mentioned she would lie down and rest for a few hours before dinner.

Emma replied, "No worries, and you're welcome," to Rosa before leaving her to rest up.

Everyone carried out their regular duties three days later, except for Rosa, who helped finish any last-minute details for the upcoming ceremony.

Luca had cancelled the afternoon's training session.

Those attending the ceremony had enough time to fulfil their duties and prepare.

The kitchen staff were equally busy, if not busier, preparing the food for the big feast that would follow the ceremony celebrating their new Luna. With everyone's help, they finished all the food and decorations by 4:00 p.m.

The meat was on the spit and would be ready when the ceremony ended. The roast vegetables were warm in the oven.

Someone had put the cold desserts and salads in the fridge, and homemade muffins and cupcakes were cooling on the benches before being iced and decorated. It's going to be a massive celebration.

Luca and Rosa had agreed to dress in separate rooms for the ceremony.

Little did Rosa know that Luca had been secretly working with pack members, including Emma, to plan a surprise for his mate.

Luca and his pack members had spent the past few days helping to clear and tidy up around her family's property, as he planned to take her there after the ceremony and give her the letter from her late father. Everyone knew it would be an emotional moment for Luna when she read the letter.

After helping the others with any last-minute details, Rosa was in awe of their achievements in organising everything for the ceremony.

The chairs were gold, with a white chiffon covering one section, adorned with white roses at the start of each aisle.

Someone had laid a long, white carpet between the aisles, stretching from the chairs to the white-draped, chiffon-covered pergola.

They arranged the chairs in a large circle so everyone could see the ceremony, and they decorated them with white rose flower balls hanging from the ends.

There was also a table in the centre beneath the pergola, holding the ceremonial knife and bowl.

Rosa took a final look at what they had done before heading up to the packhouse.

As she stepped through the door, she saw Emma waiting for her dress for the ceremony, folded over her arms in the lounge room. They were getting ready for the ceremony in her room, while Luca prepared in his brother Constantino's room.

Emma helped Rosa with her hair and makeup, which they had brought the day before she got her dress.

They had already given Luca his black tie.

They hurried up, but not too quickly for Rosa, to her and Luca's room, where she helped Emma hang up her dress while Emma got the hair and makeup products ready.

Rosa then took a quick shower. She was out within five minutes, drying herself with a fluffy white towel and slipping into a white satin robe she'd received the same day as her dress. She even got Emma one to wear while they did their hair and makeup, then slipped into their dresses and shoes.

Meanwhile, as Emma showered, Rosa brushed her long, thick hair thoroughly until it shone with health.

Five minutes later, Emma emerged from the bathroom wearing the same robe as Rosa, wrapped a towel around herself, and helped Rosa with her hair and makeup.

As Emma styled her hair, they had already talked about what Rosa wanted. She preferred a high bun, and they both noticed an advertisement for a device that helps create the perfect bun without first putting her hair in a ponytail, wrapping it around, and pinning it with multiple hairpins. The Hair Bun Maker machine makes it much easier to create the hairstyle Rosa desired.

After Emma had styled her hair, she sprayed it with hairspray to keep it in place and stop it from flying everywhere. Then, she put on the accessory they had bought: two white rose hair combs to match the white of her dress, and positioned them around the hair bun.

Emma begins her makeup routine by gently applying a light foundation with a sponge. She then sets it with a soft powder. Using various shades of brown eye shadow, she completes Rosa's eye makeup with black eyeliner and mascara. She adds bronze blush and champagne lipstick to complete the look. Afterwards, Rosa puts on her dress and slips on her chunky white heels. Now, Rosa looks even more beautiful than before. Wait until the Alpha sees her?

Emma then checks the time. There are only forty-five minutes left before the ceremony begins. She quickly styles her hair into a messy bun, adds a thin pink headband, and applies her makeup. Fifteen minutes later, she dons a white lace crop top, a long white cardigan, and a white-and-pink floral skirt, paired with high-heeled shoes. They are both ready for the ceremony.

Emma hears a knock on the door and opens it. Angelo stands outside, dressed in his suit and a pink tie that matches Emma's skirt. He whistles to both of them, then takes Emma's hand to tell her that Luca will soon be escorting her to the ceremony. Rosa, after they depart from her room, thanks them for their help, saying, "You are most welcome, Luna."

Not long after they had gone, there was another knock on the door, and she heard her name called. It was Luca, coming to take her down to the ceremony. She opened the door and looked at her mate dressed in his black suit and gold tie. She thought, "He looks so handsome," as she admired him.

Luca's eyes widened when he saw his mate after she had opened the door. She looked stunning in her dress and makeup. She looked gorgeous, taking in her outfit. He was so proud of how far she had come to this moment. Luca then took her hand and leaned over to kiss her forehead so that he wouldn't ruin her makeup. He then led her arm through his while telling her how stunning she looked in her dress.

Rosa blushes at the comment. Luca sees this and laughs. He led her towards the stairs and helped her down them.

After helping her carefully down the stairs to the backyard, where the Luna ceremony would take place, she saw someone she knew sitting next to Elder Gabriel as they approached. Everyone was seated. It was her boss from work, Gianna Gallo. As they walked down the white carpeted aisle towards the table under the covered pergola, everyone stood up.

As they reached the pergola, everyone sat back down again and waited for the ceremony to start. The pack waited patiently, looking at Rosa's beauty. They noticed Rosa taking in everything around her. Rosa saw that her boss from work was there. She looked at her mate with curiosity, wondering why she was there. Rosa didn't know Gianna was a werewolf, so she planned to catch up with her boss after the ceremony. When everyone had settled down after Luca raised his hand, he faced his pack to quieten them so the ceremony could begin.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted as a bright light appeared from behind Luca and Rosa. Everyone was stunned by the person who had stepped out of the silver. Once they recognised who it was, they all gasped and knelt, including Luca and Rosa. It was Selene, known as the Moon Goddess, the creator of the werewolves. Selene looked over the pack, then smiled and gazed at Luca and Rosa.

Then, she said, "Rise, my children." She told them all, and they stood up from where they had been kneeling. Members helped older adults to their feet as Selene asked Luca, "If I may, Alpha Luca, I would like to officiate the ceremony. Is that okay with you?"

Luca spoke for everyone, saying, "It would be an honour if you would," as he bowed respectfully. The pack, Rosa included, mirrored his gesture and directed their attention to the Moon Goddess.

Selene paused to observe their affection, then smiled and looked back at Luca and Rosa. Her gaze shifted to the table, noticing the ceremonial knife, and she declared, "We won't need it," referring to the knife.

As Selene gazed at the Alpha and the future, Luna Rosa looked at her, puzzled by what she had just said, but said nothing more.

Luca and Rosa nodded in agreement.

Selene gently took Rosa's hand and softly asked, "Rosa Romano, do you swear to me, Alpha Luca, and this pack to accept the role of Luna of the Ferrera Wolf pack? To protect the pack and its members, and to be the best Luna you can be?" Rosa, surprised by the question, replied, "I do, and I will." Selene then touched Rosa's forehead, sensing the title's power entering her. She officially granted Rosa the title of Luna. Finally, Selene announced to the pack, "Ferrera Wolf Pack, I present to you Luna Romanetti!"

The group rose together and cheered, clapped, and shouted for their newly claimed Luna, who was smiling at them. Then, turning to her mate, she saw him grinning back at her. After glancing at the Alpha pair, Selene said someone would explain later. She then looked at Luca, knowing what he would do later in private, and nodded in agreement. Rosa was still curious and patient enough to find out later what that was about and what her mate would explain.

As Selene looked around, she noticed everyone was watching their interaction. Selene said, "I am glad you have your Luna after all these years. It was an honour to officiate at the ceremony. Thank you for allowing me to do it. But my time is returning home, so thank you all once again. Blessed be to you and yours," she told them with a smile before they went back to their business. "Blessed be to you and yours," they replied just before she disappeared.

Luca then takes charge and lets everyone know it's time to celebrate. The pack cheers and shouts as they sit down with the kitchen staff at the tables. Extra pack members help prepare the food by placing different varieties at various spots on the tables, so each table can choose what they want. Once everyone is seated, Luca picks up his glass of champagne— a special occasion—and taps it to get everyone's attention. Announcing, "I would like to propose a toast to my stunning mate, your new Luna Rosa!" he shouts to the pack. They then reply, "To Luna Rosa!"

Rosa smiled and rose to her feet, saying, "Thank you all; I am honoured to become your Luna today. Let's celebrate this wonderful moment and extend our gratitude to the Moon Goddess, who officiated the ceremony- a very unexpected but very welcome guest. Everyone, with heartfelt appreciation, please dig in, enjoy the celebration, and have a great night," she told them as they all stood up, cheering and clapping after she finished her speech.

Most took turns going to get food while choosing what to eat. Then, they returned to their respective tables, sat down, and ate while the choosingok thea, Rosa, and others had picked up their food and were eating, ate each other and the pack members between bites.

The celebrations lasted for three hours after dinner, with everyone giving their all to the dancing. Seeing that everyone was having a good time, especially Rosa, was a joy to watch. She was smiling, laughing, and thoroughly enjoying herself with the pack members, but for her, the night was just about to start, Luca thought as he watched his mate. She turns her head towards him and beams at him. He grins back, then takes her hand and kisses it. Luca then gestured in the direction he wanted to go, and she nodded in agreement. As they stood to leave, the pack members cheered for the Alpha pair. Luca and Rosa thanked them and headed out.

As they headed back to the packhouse, Luca asked Rosa to change into something different and pack an overnight bag, as he had planned to take her somewhere for the night. Rosa looked at him with curiosity, wondering what he was up to and where he might be taking her. She shrugged but complied with her Alpha's request and packed her overnight bag. Rosa recalled that Luca would explain why her boss, Gianna Gallo, from work, was attending the ceremony. She also thought about how he and Selene had been exchanging looks, sensing that he might have something else to tell her.

Rosa quickly packed her bag and entered the lounge, where Luca was holding two letters for her along with his bag. Luca then grabbed their bags and headed out the front door to a black SUV waiting for them, until Rosa remembered her car. She looked at Luca with a raised eyebrow, asking when he responded to her. "I had one of the pack members drive it over, in case you need it," he explained.

Rosa smiled at him, appreciating his thoughtfulness about her needs, and thanked him with a peck on the right cheek. Luca's face flushed red, but he returned her smile, pleased with what he had done and his reward. They both got into the car, with Luca taking the driver's seat, turning on the ignition, shifting into drive, and driving off towards their destination. As they drove along the road, they discussed the ceremony and the shock of seeing Selene, the Moon Goddess, there. They were both still coming to terms with it. Having her there and officiating the ceremony was an absolute honour and privilege.

They both arrived at their destination an hour later. Rosa then realised where Luca had taken her. She returned to the house she had rented for two weeks and wondered why he had brought her there. Rosa shivered with nervousness and excitement about being back. They got out of the car and headed towards the front door, where Luca opened it, turned on the lights, checked around the house, and then let her in.

Rosa enters, surveys the room, and observes that everything remains as she left it. She walks down the hallway to the main bedroom. Luna Rosa notices upon entering that the room mirrors the rest of the house. She assumes everything is still clean and in the same condition as on the day of the attack. Rosa shudders at the memory.

Luca entered the bedroom, carrying his bags, and placed them on the bed. He told her, "I will put the kettle on, and then we will talk."

She nodded in agreement as he left the room. After he left, Rosa unpacked her bag, but everything was still there. She returned to the kitchen, where Luca made two cups of tea. When he finished making them, he walked over to the sofa in the lounge room, took the cups with him, and settled on the couch. He pointed to the seat next to him for her to sit down. Rosa sighed, but she sat down and took a sip of her tea, while Luca sat there, pondering how to tell her about Gianna and the letters from her late father. He told her about Gianna first.

Luca waited until she put her cup down on the table. He looked at her, took her hands, and explained everything, including what Elder Gabriel had learned about her family. He first told her about Gianna, who was a werewolf and part of a pack—something he hadn't known until Gabriel informed him when they discovered where she worked. She had her identification and emergency contact list in her backpack after the attack, which was why she was at the ceremony and catching up with her. Next was the most challenging part he had to share. After taking deep breaths, he told her what they had uncovered about her family. Rosa was crying by the time Luca finished explaining.

He reached over to pick up the two letters. He handed Rosa the one addressed to her by her late father, Antonio Romanetti. Rosa was sniffling as she opened the letter. She read the message, and tears streamed down her face as she went through it. Rosa was exhausted from all the crying, but she knew there was still more to come when she saw Luca holding another letter. Luca told her that this letter was from her father to her and her partner. He explained that her father had written him a letter detailing its contents. It was her parents' last will, he told her. Rosa realised it meant both her parents, so she read that one.

Luca then heard her gasp at a part of the letter. She looked at the page behind it and read it slowly. What it said astounded her. Her late father, Antonio Romanetti, had bequeathed her and her mate when they found and marked each other in the house they were staying in at that very moment.

According to the letter, the house had belonged to the Romanetti family since they moved here from Italy years ago. As far as they knew, they were already home. Rosa was sobbing so much that she was shaking uncontrollably. Luca had pulled her into his arms and comforted her as much as he could. Rosa stopped crying after a while, letting him know what was in the letter. She looked up at him with moisture still in her eyes, but was able to tell him, "My father," she said, sniffling, "left this house to my mate and me when I found and marked him and vice versa," she informed him as he looked at her face, stunned at what she had just heard.

Luca then hugs and kisses her on the forehead and says, "That was nice of him. It's yours anyway because you are a Romanetti by birth. It's your inheritance from them. This is a legal document, and no one can take it away from you," he tells her, wiping away the tears.

He gently touches her cheeks with his fingers and says," Let's talk about this more in the morning. We are both pretty exhausted, but after everything you've just found out, you need to get some sleep."

Rosa sighs but agrees with him. They both get up and head to the bedroom. When they arrive, Rosa goes into the bathroom first, showers, and gets ready for bed. She exits the toilet, moves to the ground, slips between the sheets, waits for Luca to finish, and gets ready for sleep. Ten minutes later, Luca comes out of the bathroom dressed for bed. He climbs into bed and covers them as Rosa snuggles up, wrapping her arms around him. Before long, both drift off into a deep sleep.